In traditional culture, there are many taboos for postpartum women, such as avoiding bathing, not eating anything except lean meat and green vegetable soup… However, modern perspectives suggest that such strict prohibitions can have negative effects.
Currently, there are quite a few differing opinions on what should be avoided during the postpartum period to not affect the “pearl body” later on. Many expectant mothers are genuinely confused, unsure whether traditional wisdom or modern medicine offers better solutions.
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| Exchanging experiences on postpartum health maintenance. (Photo: SGGP) |
Although she is only six months pregnant, Ms. Kim Ngan has already been designated by her family to receive “postpartum care.” With eight childbirth experiences and having cared for many grandchildren, her grandmother listed more than 1001 prohibitions for Ms. Ngan to follow after giving birth, such as: lying on charcoal for at least two months to keep warm; avoiding bathing during the “confinement period”; staying in a room without wind but avoiding fans or air conditioning since these are considered toxic air that will cause chills; using cotton to plug the ears to prevent wind from causing deafness later on… The main menu for the postpartum woman includes salty braised meat and fish. Eating salty food is said to promote water intake, leading to more breast milk. The primary soup is usually papaya cooked with pork hocks, which is both nutritious and promotes milk production…
Not just Ms. Kim Ngan, many young mothers are confused about whether to follow these “admonitions”, even though they are often reminded that “to maintain family happiness, one must adhere to these practices…” Anyone who dares to dispute these practices risks being harshly criticized for the offense of “an egg trying to be smarter than a duck“, questioning “what came first, the experience of the elders or the doctors?”…
Both Eastern and Western doctors agree that while there are indeed certain things postpartum women should avoid, there is no need for excessive prohibitions like those in traditional wisdom. Over-restriction can hinder recovery and may even be detrimental to health.
Dr. Ho Thi Ngoc, Head of the Obstetrics Department at Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, indicated that prohibiting postpartum women from eating greens and sour fruits is scientifically unfounded, as it can lead to deficiencies of essential nutrients, resulting in constipation and prolonged fatigue; individuals with high blood pressure may experience swelling in their limbs. Therefore, doctors recommend that postpartum women maintain a normal diet, avoiding only overly greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods.
Regarding hygiene, steaming with charcoal or alcohol is truly inadvisable. The smoke from charcoal contains harmful CO2; carelessness could lead to burns for the postpartum woman. In fact, there have been many cases of postpartum women suffering burns while steaming. During hot seasons, steaming can cause skin irritations and rashes. Traditional wisdom suggesting that postpartum women avoid bathing can lead to skin problems… To maintain health during this period, the maternity room should be well-ventilated, airy, and clean. Using fans or air conditioning is acceptable as long as it is at a gentle, moderate level.
Postpartum women do not need to avoid bathing for too long. They should simply refrain from bathing in drafty areas to avoid catching a cold. It’s essential to pay attention to any vaginal incisions to prevent infections. Absolutely avoid douching, as this can cause injuries, vaginal infections, and endometrial inflammation.
Six weeks after giving birth, the reproductive organs of the postpartum woman will return to normal. After six weeks postpartum, women can consider contraceptive methods. If they had a natural birth without incisions, postpartum women can engage in light exercise to help their bodies readjust to daily activities. For those who had a cesarean section, they should wait at least six months before exercising.
Currently, traditional medicine offers remedies that help postpartum women quickly eliminate any remaining “toxins,” aiding in faster recovery, increased breast milk production, and gentle massage and movement exercises to improve blood circulation.
Doctors also advise breastfeeding mothers to minimize medication use to avoid affecting milk quality and the health of their babies.
My Lan
